Divorce Happens; It's About Picking Yourself Back Up

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Divorce is tough - there's no way around it. Most people who get a divorce feel at least a little lost, sad, or angry afterward, even if they wanted the divorce in the first place. Getting divorced signals the end of one phase of your life, and the transition can be hard, even if it's for the best. But you don't have to deal with these negative feelings forever. Here's how you can bounce back from divorce and move on to the next phase of your life.

1. Let yourself grieve

It's natural to grieve when you lose an important relationship. Even if your marriage ran its course and you're better off on your own, getting divorced puts an official end to your former hopes for the future. Don't try to force yourself to feel okay right after your divorce - give yourself time to process the emotions around your loss.

2. Take time to regroup

Your life will probably feel topsy-turvy during and after the process of divorce. While your divorce is in progress, it's important to talk to the experts and make sure you understand what's going to happen legally. After the divorce is finalized, you might need some time to create a new routine that feels comfortable. Don't rush yourself - everything will shake out eventually.

3. Learn to enjoy your own company

Practice spending time with yourself. Go out to dinner alone, pick up the old hobbies you used to enjoy, and learn to savor the little pleasures of life by yourself. You don't need to be half of a couple to do worthwhile things and enjoy your life.

4. Take care of yourself

Self-care is particularly important after a divorce. Make an effort to eat well and exercise, even if you don't feel like it. Consider picking up a soothing or therapeutic hobby like meditating or writing in a journal. More than anything else, be gentle with yourself if you have a terrible day.

5. Try something completely new

The silver lining of divorce is that it gives you a chance to reinvent yourself. It's all too easy to fall into ruts of behavior when you're married, but now there's no reason you can't shake things up. Consider changing your hair color, picking up a new hobby, going on a trip, or going back to school. Doing something new can help you move on from your divorce and rediscover what you're like as a single person.